Mercedes planning Tesla Model S rival

A top Mercedes-Benz official has confirmed that the automaker is working on a battery electric vehicle set to rival the Tesla Model S.

During a recent interview with Germany’s auto motor und sport, Mercedes development head Thomas Weber revealed that his company is currently developing an answer to the Tesla Model S. Weber said the upcoming EV will have an all electric range in the 400-500 kilometer (228-311 miles) range.

Weber added that Mercedes’ EV architecture is being developed on a modular platform, meaning it will be able to underpin vehicles of varying types and sizes.

Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to Tesla, having acquired a 9.1 percent stake in the California-based automaker in 2009. Mercedes even used Tesla batteries in its B-Class Electric Drive. However, the two companies parted ways in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only German automaker trying to knock off Tesla. Audi recently announced that it was working on an electric SUV that would go up against Tesla’s Model X utility vehicle. If all goes as planned, Audi’s take on the Model X should be ready for a 2018 market introduction.